USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV is the undefeated MMA prodigy from a bloodline of fighters who wrestled BEARS.
The 28-year-old has 19 wins – with 14 by stoppage – and is described as an overall talent specialising in Muay Thai and grappling.
He was the lightweight champion of Bellator – which last year merged with the Professional Fighters League.
Usman is part of the fearsome Nurmagomedov dynasty, which saw cousin Khabib retire at 29-0 as one of the all-time greats.
Their coach Javier Mendez also cornered the likes of Daniel Cormier to MMA world titles at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.
And Cormier – who spent years training with the Nurmagomedovs – claimed Usman may be the best of the bunch.
He told Chael Sonnen: “Isn’t it crazy to watch the success that these guys have had? Not only just Khabib but to have Umar and Usman.
“Usman might be the best out of all of them. This dude is amazing in terms of fighting. He fights in Bellator, now the PFL.”
Sonnen added: “The first family of fighting is the Gracie family, but the Nurmagomedovs are coming for the title.”
Mendez has also trained UFC legend Cain Velasquez and former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev.
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But he reckons Usman stands out above them all.
Mendez said on the Jibber with Jabber podcast: “I’ve said it before when I trained him, that he’s got the most skill out of everybody I have ever trained in my whole entire life.
“And what has he done? He’s gone and proved it, he’s done everything.
“All his fights showcase great Jiu-Jitsu, great wrestling ability, great striking.”
It is no wonder the Nurmagomedovs are so fearless in the cage – having grown up wrestling and training with bears in Dagestan.
Grainy footage from the late 90s shows Khabib grappling with a cub aged just NINE – something his late father Abdulmanap would encourage.
Abdulmanap, who passed away in 2020 due to Covid complications, said: “First, a father always wants to check on what his son his capable of.
“It is a pity that there were no fights more interesting when he was younger. In the end, this was a test of character more than exercise.”
Khabib retired in 2020 but continues to coach his cousins Usman and Umar – who is signed to the UFC and 18-1.
The only blemish on Usman’s record is a no-contest against Brent Primus – which was overturned from a points win.
Usman tested positive for a banned substance which came from a prescription drug.
The unintentional nature of the breach mean the fighter avoided being stripped of his title.
Usman returned with a points victory over Alexandr Shabliy in September and narrowly beat Irishman Paul Hughes in January in Dubai.
Now the pair rematch back at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday – with bragging rights and the PFL title up for grabs.
Usman said: “I’m preparing always for five rounds, condition, everything, mentally.
“But if I will find some opportunity for finish this fight, of course, I will finish it
